fifth disease and pregnancy (read if you have school-age chi

Hey ladies, just wanted to let you know in case you don't already...Fifth disease is a mild viral infection that has the symptoms of a cold usually and is pretty contageous. Last week I took my daughter to the doctor for what I thought was a possible step or tonsilities infection...the test came back negative, the doctor prescribed antibiotics to be safe, end of story..or so I thought. It was until last night when she broke out with the tell-tale rash of fifth disease. It comes days after the cold/flu-like symptoms and has the "slapped cheek" look, along with a rash on the arms, legs and/or torso. This is a dangerous disease for pregnant mothers, as the risk of complications and miscarriage (if you get infected within the first 20 weeks) is between 3%-10%. Just wanted to give you a heads up because I had no clue last week that it could be fifth disease my daughter had. I now have a call in to my OB/GYN to see if I need to get an ultrasound or other tests done. Keep an eye out and if your children come down with similar symptoms, be careful!

I had fifth disease when I was a kid, and it sucks!!! Hope everything is ok with you and baby, and that your LO feels better soon.